LGBTQ+ History Through the Canadian Lens
Up until recently, the history of the LGBTQ+ community has been largely ignored by Canadian society. Some may have heard about the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York, or the 2016 Orlando Pulse Nightclub shootings. Although these tragic events have deeply impacted Canadians, they are elements of American, not Canadian LGBTQ+ history. Many Canadians remain unaware of the historical events that are uniquely significant to the Canadian LGBTQ+ community, and the enduring effects that these events have had. Bear in mind that the list of events below is nowhere near to being a complete history of the Canadian LGBTQ+ community. If you are interested in learning more, then you are more than welcome to refer to the sources at the end of this article.
1861 - For many years. homosexuality was punishable by death in the British empire. In 1861, the sentence was reduced to imprisonment of a minimum of 10 years. There was a possibility of being imprisoned for life.
May 14, 1969 - Homosexuality continued to be further criminalized for years, but in 1969, homosexual activities that occurred between consenting adults over the age of 21 were decriminalized under Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s government. This pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights was a product of the increased pressure put on the government to decriminalize homosexuality. In 1957, a study called the Wolfenden Report recommended to the British empire – which had a lot of influence on the Canadian government at the time - that consensual homosexual activity should no longer be criminalized. In addition, the arrest of a gay man in 1967 named Everett George Klippert sparked outrage against the government when he was sentenced to life in prison because he was accused of engaging in homosexual activity.
February 5 1981 - In what is know as “Operation Soap” police officers raided four gay bathhouses, charging 226 men with a variety of unjust, ambiguous charges on the precedent that they were found in a location where “indecent acts” took place. This moment fueled riots, as 3000 people took to the streets to express anger against the injustice these men faced at the hands of the police. As a result “Lesbian and Gay Pride Day”, now known simply as “Pride” was established in Toronto, which was attended by 1500 individuals that same year. However, it wasn’t until 1991 that Toronto began to endorse the annual pride event.
1985 - Amidst the increasing stigma and misinformation surrounding the HIV/AIDS pandemic and how it pertained to gay men, the red cross banned gay and bisexual men from donating blood. Unfortunately, this ban has persisted over the years, with few amendments being made. Canadian Blood Services states that this ban will finally be lifted in September of 2022
1995 - The Charter of Rights and Freedoms is amended to protect people from discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation. This amendment occurred thanks to Jim Egan and Jack Nesbit’s case appealing against the decision made by Health and Welfare Canada that denied Jack Nesbit spousal benefit under the Old Age Security Act. While Egan and Nesbit lost, it was because of their case that this amendment was considered, and implemented.
July 20, 2005 - Same-sex marriage was finally legalized, a monumental event in the modern LQBTQ rights movement. Canada became the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
2011- Following mandates calling for stricter bullying responses against bullying against LGBTQ individuals, laws were passed in Ontario and Manitoba requiring all schools, regardless of religious affiliation, to allow students to form GSA’s (Gay-Straight alliances, now known as Gender-Sexuality alliances). In the present day, many schools, including HNSS, have their own GSA’s.
2012 - Ontario passes legislation that allows transgender individuals who have not undergone gender reassignment surgery to change their gender on official documentation. This change was an important step towards creating a safer, more inclusive environment for Trans Canadians, especially those who do not want to undergo gender reassignment surgery. Other provinces follow suit in the upcoming years. Not long after, Ontario no longer issues health cards with a gender marker starting in 2016, and in 2017 the “X” gender marker is introduced on passports. These changes are steps towards inclusivity for Non-Binary and intersex individuals.
2017 - The Charter of Rights is amended to protect individuals from discrimination based on their gender identity and/or expression.
2021 - Just about a year ago, conversion therapy is banned in Canada.
While Canada has become a safer, more inclusive place for LGBTQ+ individuals, there is still much to be done. Understanding LGBTQ+ history helps one better understand the circumstances affecting the Canadian LGBTQ+ community, and thus, strengthens the allyship between them, and the greater Canadian society.
Sources
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